to become or make something become smaller in size, amount, degree, importance, etc., the process of becoming or making something become smaller in size, amount, degree, importance, etc.

Formal and Informal Expressions of decrease

In different contexts, you can replace 'decrease' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'reduce, diminish, lessen' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'cut down, shrink' is a commonplace synonym.

decrease: Explore its Definition & Usage

decrease Definition

1to become or make something become smaller in size, amount, degree, importance, etc.
2the process of becoming or making something become smaller in size, amount, degree, importance, etc.

Using decrease: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "decrease" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The company has decreased its workforce by 20%.
Example
The temperature is expected to decrease tomorrow.
Example
The government has promised to decrease taxes for small businesses.
Example
The demand for this product has decreased in recent years.

decrease Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for decrease

Antonyms for decrease

Phrases with decrease

on the decrease
becoming less or smaller in quantity, number, or size
Example
The number of COVID-19 cases is on the decrease in many countries.
decrease by degrees
to gradually become less or smaller
Example
The intensity of the storm decreased by degrees as it moved away from the coast.
decrease in value
a reduction in the monetary worth of something
Example
The stock market crash caused a significant decrease in the value of many people's investments.

Origins of decrease

from Old French 'descroistre', from Latin 'decrescere', from 'de-' (down) + 'crescere' (to grow)

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Summary: decrease in Brief

The verb 'decrease' [dɪˈkriːs] means to make something smaller in size, amount, degree, importance, etc. It is often used in the context of reducing workforce, taxes, or demand, as in 'The company has decreased its workforce by 20%.' 'Decrease' can also be used as a noun to refer to the process of becoming smaller. Phrases like 'on the decrease' and 'decrease by degrees' denote gradual reduction, while 'decrease in value' refers to a reduction in monetary worth.